Sorry I know, the millionth time this question has been asked but I’m really looking for advice from people who have had positive experiences with other machines.
To preface this I am only approved to use a recumbent bike and rower for daily exercise by my PT and doctor due to my disabilities. I am also poor and I do not live within driving distance of a county rec center that offers a rowing machine and cannot afford a standard gym that does. I cannot settle for a recumbent bike as I live in a portion of a home that would not even allow me to even get one in my place (spiral stairs and tight corners, I’ve tried) whereas I could twist a rowing machine up. And yes I have also been searching for used ones, every day for many months with keyword notifications on spanning over 50 miles. Not a single one in my price range ($200 I know not a lot, it’s all I can manage)
I am not looking to row competitively or track my stats in any way, I just want to move my body and make some consistent progress in my health. My physical therapist and I have found that rowing has been the most beneficial and rewarding movement I can even manage to do after using the c2 at her facility consistently. So much so even she has kept an eye out for used c2’s for me.
So with all that being said. Does anyone have recommendations for alternative rowing machines that are not a C2 or a used C2? Something that is even slightly worth it (used so even pricier ones may be an option if I come across it) for a $200 and under price range? I have seen many different used rowers online, at garage sales, and at thrift stores that I could buy today. But I have held out because of the advice to just wait until a free or ridiculously cheap used C2 pops up and I truly understand why but the likelihood of that happening is extremely slim. I wouldn’t even ask on this sub knowing what other similar questions are met with but I’m having trouble finding real reviews and recommendations that aren’t sponsored.
I’m looking for full body movement that I can actually manage and benefit from, not the accuracy of the machine or the realistic rowing feel. So please don’t mention a used c2. If you’ve had any positive personal experiences with other machines I am really interested in hearing!! If there really is no alternative then I’m shit out of luck but just needed to ask anyway.